Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Pinterest—is it really so unique it coined its own word?
Maybe. What’s certain is there are some valuable uses small businesses can get
out of Pinterest. While it’s not a necessity, it can serve as an effective
marketing tool when used correctly. If
you aren’t familiar with this social media site, a user creates boards that
they pin to. Pins are images associated with how-to’s and popular trends from
another website or something you created yourself. You can have an unlimited
number of boards for multiple subjects and you can re-pin items from anyone
else’s board. It’s a method of organizing your interests, kind of like an inspiration/projects
bulletin board. Now that you know what it is, try implementing these uses for a
company Pinterest page.

Employee boards are great for companies that have visual
representations of their work such as a salon, restaurant, or one with popular
products. Each employee can have one board that they post to that will showcase
their work. This not only organizes and displays some of your business’ best
work but is also fun for each employee and a means of encouraging excellent
performance. Consider, on the flipside, customer boards. They could post how
they are using your products to inspire other customers. Similar to a blog but
more visually dynamic, you could have a Pinterest board for ideas and
tutorials, using your products. You can even hold contests that require the use
of your products and services to create something new. (For example, an art
project contest that uses a specific shade of the paint you sell).

Sharing a wide variety of content is effective here and you
can link to your own work or blog as well as others in the industry. Finally,
contests are a great method of interaction for customers and it also promotes
your products while offering incentives for loyal customers.

Can you think of other uses for Pinterest? Try those out as
well! In today’s social media connected culture, it can only help you. Make it
happen.